The Bookish Ashley

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Suspenseful, gripping, and downright addictive, Don’t Believe Her by Nicola Sanders is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of unreliable narrators, family secrets, and eerie twists, this book is your next must-read.

The story is told through the perspective of our protagonist, who should be on cloud nine. She has a loving fiancé, Nick, an adorable daughter, and a future that seems picture-perfect—until Nick’s long-lost sister Carla suddenly returns. From the moment Carla re-enters their lives, the cracks in this idyllic façade begin to form.

Nicola Sanders masterfully builds tension as the protagonist’s unease about Carla grows. Her memories of their childhood friendship don’t match up with Carla’s version of events. Even worse, Carla’s presence starts to create rifts in her relationships with Nick and his family. What’s particularly chilling is how everyone around her dismisses her concerns, creating a suffocating atmosphere of isolation and doubt. You’ll find yourself constantly questioning: Is the protagonist paranoid, or is Carla hiding something sinister?

The strength of the novel lies in its ability to keep the reader teetering on the edge of uncertainty. Sanders plants subtle clues and red herrings that make it nearly impossible to tell what’s true and what’s a lie. The plot twists, especially in the final act, are jaw-dropping and reward close attention to detail throughout the book.

That said, the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, with a few repetitive moments as the protagonist tries to convince others of Carla’s deceit. While these scenes build tension, they can feel slightly drawn out. However, the payoff in the explosive conclusion more than makes up for this minor issue.

Another highlight is the characterization of Carla. Sanders creates an unsettling ambiguity around her—one moment you’re convinced she’s dangerous, the next, you’re doubting everything you just read. This complexity makes the story all the more compelling.

In true psychological thriller fashion, Don’t Believe Her will have you second-guessing everyone and everything. It’s a fast-paced, mind-bending read that will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoy books like The Girl on the Train or The Wife Between Us, Don’t Believe Her will be right up your alley. Nicola Sanders delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, tension, and unpredictability. While it’s not without its slower moments, the clever twists and chilling finale make this a story worth recommending.

Have you read Don’t Believe Her? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!